Monthly Archives: September 2008

So some of you might be wondering what it’s like to work in a lab. Of course, some of you might think you know, since you watch CSI and all. Well, I’m here to tell you that working in a lab is just like CSI, except without the magical montages that allow them to do procedures that take a week in less than 30 seconds. And also without all the romantic drama. Oh, and also without those fancy glass projecto-monitors on all the walls. And, of course, without that part where your co-workers get kidnapped and/or shot every couple of months. So in summary, pretty much not at all.

Think humans are the only farmers? Think again. Ants were gardening while we were still swinging from the trees. Only instead of corn, ants cultivate fungi. And unlike many humans’ gardens, the ants’ gardens are completely organic.

Though grad students are great procrastinators, we still have a finite amount of free time and science is moving pretty quickly these days. Consequently, we come across a whole lot of interesting stories during the week that we don’t have time to write about on our blog. So from now on we’ll be posting a list of links to cool articles in the media on a whole variety of topics that we think you’d enjoy. Starting with this week…Read this week’s BioBites!

By now, we can all name lots of things that are making Americans fat: McDonalds, video games, fad diets that don’t work… the list goes on and on. But here’s one I bet you haven’t heard before: using your brain.

Okay, so it’s probably not all in the genes, but scientists have begun to track down the genes that are involved in creating runners who run ridiculous distances. Recently researchers in Australia found a mutation that changes muscle structure allowing greater endurance.

As the Democratic convention has finished up and the Republican one is getting ready to go, politics are on the mind of a lot of people. Are you one of them, or are you the type who couldn’t care less? Turns out that your genes could help decide if you plaster your car with political bumper stickers or don’t bother to turn out to vote.